LAPLACE – The St. John and St. James Parish Sheriff’s Offices were among six law enforcement agencies across Southeast Louisiana receiving grant money from the U.S. Department of Justice, according to a release from Congressman Charlie Melancon.

Melancon recently announced he had secured more than $169,000 in grants from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program, which supports initiatives to prevent and control crime based on state and local needs.

“Our law enforcement officers and emergency responders are on the front lines protecting our communities and helping in emergencies and disasters,” Melancon said in a statement. “These federal grants, which include radio equipment and safety upgrades, will allow our officers to reliably and quickly communicate and be prepared during critical moments.” The St. John Sheriff’s Office will receive a $22,804 grant to enhance communication systems and upgrade the office’s handheld radios. The upgrade will make the radios 700/800 MHZ capable, which is the law enforcement frequency set by the Federal Communications Commission. Melancon said the new radios will allow deputies to communicate more effectively with each other and with officers in surrounding sheriff’s departments.

Melancon said the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office was awarded $17,502 for the purchase of equipment to protect officers and citizens. He said the equipment will improve officer safety and their ability to apprehend criminals.

Other agencies receiving grant funding from Melancon include the following:

• The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office was awarded $51,119 to upgrade and improve its digital media storage process. The grant will go toward purchase of a new server, new software and a digital web viewer.

• The Houma Police Department is receiving $41,905 for floatation devices to assist officers in high water situations, ballistic helmets and shields to enhance officer safety during shooting incidents, night vision equipment and fingerprint kits for the district attorney’s office.

• The Thibodaux Police Department was awarded $14,978 for portable radios and infrared audio and video surveillance cameras for the office’s mobile command unit.

• The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office was awarded $20,784 for officer training and weapons, neck protectors, ammunition, traffic wands, reflective traffic vests and tasers.

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